I'm considering going to Mexico for Mommy make over. Any suggestions?

If the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, that would be better.  However, even under those circumstances, the standards to which a plastic surgeon is held is very high in the United States.  This may be different in other countries.

Yes, Beware of the risks and downsides of medical tourism (traveling abroad to undergo elective surgery) !Medical tourism has becoming increasingly popular in recent years; patients have been flying out of the U.S. for plastic surgery, lured by lower prices.However, a parallel trend has also appeared: plastic surgeons in the United States are finding themselves treating an increasing number of patients who plastic surgery abroad, correcting complications and errors. A survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that 80% of the responding doctors had treated American medical tourists for complications including infection, contour abnormalities, and hematoma.Medical tourists are often led to believe that they will receive the same quality of care for a lower price in a foreign clinic. But while it is true that the cost of plastic surgery in some foreign countries is lower, this is often because the quality of care and surgery is compromised. Such patients also seem to neglect the possibility of complications and the need for a follow-up visit.In addition to the risks posed by sub-standard medical care abroad, medical tourists must consider the risks of injections and implants in other countries. The recent crisis with French breast implant maker Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) exemplifies this problem. PIP used industrial- rather than medical-grade silicone on their implants in an effort to reduce costs, a measure which probably increased the danger of rupture. PIP implants have not been used in the United States since 2000. Removal of these implants has been recommended by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.It is often the case that medical tourists end up spending more money because they have to pay to treat complications from their aa surgery.

Thank you for your question. In my experience it is ideal to be close to your surgeon for post surgical follow up purposes, if it can be helped. Consider all your options, Best,

In Mexico, to be a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, the physician needs to have 3 years of general surgery residence training and 3 or 4 years of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residence training. Then after finishing the residence the Plastic Surgeon needs to pass an written exam and an oral exam, done by the Mexican Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in order to be Board Certified. You can find which surgeons are Board Certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery on this boards web site. Even with the board certification, not all the surgeons will deliver the same quality results, as in Plastic Surgery, artistic sense, surgical technique and dedication are very important factors in the results. It is important to check before and after photos (as many as you can see) of the surgery that you have interest on, so you can have an idea about the type of the results your surgeon can deliver and if those are good enough for you. The cost may not be very cheap if you get the surgery in an accredited surgical facility or hospital. Also consider that all your follow up and postop care should be done in Mexico, even in the event of a complication. My advice is to check your surgeon and results.

Certainly there are many very talented plastic surgeons in Mexico, but the issues are follow-up care in case of complications or any other concerns, and the difficulty of knowing about their qualifications and the facility. If you are seriously considering having a mommy makeover in Mexico, start with confirming that the surgeon is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

I would be very careful in choosing to leave the country for elective cosmetic surgery. It's always best to be close to the operating surgeon to manage the result as well as any complications. Also board certification and credentialing is much more stringent in this country.

# abdominoplasty # breast surgery and overseas surgery# mommy me makeovers are complex operations that require much recovery and follow-up care. It is important that you know who your surgeon is whether in the United States or Mexico. You should clearly understand what will be necessary if there are complications and how they will be taken care of.

Thank you for your question. A mommy makeover includes both enhancement of the breast and abdomen. The recovery can be several weeks. My suggestion would be to stay local. Find a board eligible/certified plastic surgeon.Best of luck!- Dr. Bryson Richards

If you decide to have surgery in Mexico you need to research your surgeon and their board certification. Also be prepared to follow up with your surgeon in Mexico in the event any complications should arise. I'm guessing cost is the main reason you are considering a mommy makeover in Mexico- which is not a good reason. You happen to live in an area that has many qualified plastic surgeons so I would think long and hard before leaving the country for surgery.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

When selecting the right surgeon to perform your plastic surgical procedure is very important to know the extent, quality and scope of their surgical training. When you select a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery you know that your surgeon has had appropriate training, has demonstrated competence in the performance of these procedures and has passed rigorous written and oral examinations. The facility in which your procedure is performed is also very important. If you are considering surgery outside of the United States is important to know whether or not the institution as met the accreditation standards of the International Joint Commission for Certification.

Medical tourism does not provide for the traditional doctor-patient relationship. Normally you first meet with your potential surgeon and express your concerns and objectives. Your surgeon then has the ability to examine you and determine whether or not your goals can be met and whether or not you are satisfactory candidate both mentally and physically for the intended procedure. Your surgeon then makes a decision to operate or not operate. If your surgeon chooses to operate he or she then takes on the responsibility of not only performing the procedure but follow through on the treatment of any complications. Many times surgeons will waive fees associated with the treatment of postoperative complications. If a new surgeon is needed to care for these complications significant additional expense can be incurred.
Although there are many excellent plastic surgeons outside of the United States traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery has several potential problems. There will be expenses incurred during the travel back and forth, there may be a need for an extended stay with additional expense. There are risks associated with long flights. Normally long lites are discouraged in the postoperative period has an increased risk for blood clot formation and the possible lethal occurrence of a pulmonary embolism. It is important to know whether or not a quality Hospital is nearby and arrangements are in place for transfer in the event of a severe complication. You should also consider how complications that arise after he returned home will be handled. Normally the surgeon who performs the procedure takes responsibility for these eventualities. If there are complications or poor outcomes secondary to negligence what legal recourse will you have.